Jonathan David’s time at Juventus has been a challenging journey so far. The Canadian striker transferred to the club on a free deal from Lille this summer. However, he has struggled to establish himself in the squad, scoring only once in his Serie A debut versus Parma.
Three Key Reasons for David’s Struggles at Juventus
- Increased Competition: David faces tough competition for a starting position.
- Tactical Adjustments: He is adjusting to a different tactical style at Juventus.
- Adjustment Period: David may require time to find his footing in Serie A.
Intense Competition for Starting Spot
Jonathan David has encountered fierce competition in Juventus’ attacking lineup. Coach Igor Tudor has actively rotated his forwards this season. While Dusan Vlahovic was presumed to be leaving, he remains at the club, further complicating David’s prospects. Additionally, Lois Openda joined the squad on the transfer deadline day, adding to the pressure.
Tactical Challenges
The tactical approach at Juventus differs significantly from what David experienced at Lille. At Lille, he thrived in an attacking system that emphasized his link-up play. However, the current system at Juventus struggles to create frequent goal-scoring opportunities. David’s involvement in matches has been limited; he had only 16 touches in a recent game against Milan.
Need for Time to Adjust
Timing plays a crucial role in David’s performance. He has previously taken time to acclimatize to new clubs. At Gent, he scored in his Europa League playoff debut but didn’t find the net in league play until December. Similarly, at Lille, it took him three months to score his first competitive goal. Given his track record, Juventus fans hope he just needs more time to reach his potential.
Moving forward, it will be vital for David to adapt quickly. As he becomes more familiar with his new team’s style and expectations, he may soon find the form that made him successful in the past.
